I just took a quick look at the picture on the link and to be honest it just doesn't punch my buttons. Looks too much like a ray gun to me. (Guess I'm getting to be one of those old crumudgens who only like old school)

Officially, I believe they are lightening cuts. As this area is already made of lightweight aluminum, I'm not sure how much weight they're really saving, here.

Unofficially, I think they are meant for entertainment purposes. A few folks at the SHOT Show reported watching people unfamiliar with Ruger's basic design trying to "work the slide" using these notches, and darn near ripping their fingernails/fingerprints off.

"Placement is power" -- seen in an article by Stephen A. Camp
(RIP, Mr. Camp; you will be remembered, and missed)

I'm surprised the weight of the thing isn't listed in the initial website specs. It's touted as a lightweight gun right? Anyway, 22.8 oz., compared to about 35 for the standard version (and to 45 oz for the competition version that I'm familiar with). That's a significant reduction. It would be interesting to see a comparison of ransom rest targets.

Officially, I believe they are lightening cuts. As this area is already made of lightweight aluminum, I'm not sure how much weight they're really saving, here.

Unofficially, I think they are meant for entertainment purposes. A few folks at the SHOT Show reported watching people unfamiliar with Ruger's basic design trying to "work the slide" using these notches, and darn near ripping their fingernails/fingerprints off.

Ah, yes: "Form follows function."
...That is, until it gets in the way of baroque ćsthetics.

I'm surprised the weight of the thing isn't listed in the initial website specs. It's touted as a lightweight gun right? Anyway, 22.8 oz., compared to about 35 for the standard version (and to 45 oz for the competition version that I'm familiar with). That's a significant reduction. It would be interesting to see a comparison of ransom rest targets.

I've seen a cross-section of the barrel assembly that seemed to show a steel liner in an aluminum shroud, with a threaded fastener on the muzzle end to provide tension on the steel portion of the barrel (as well as keeping it in place in the shroud, I assume). Tensioned barrels (done right) have a reputation for above-average accuracy, compared to barrels of normal construction and similar (or even greater) weight.

"Placement is power" -- seen in an article by Stephen A. Camp
(RIP, Mr. Camp; you will be remembered, and missed)

I had a pistol like that one when I was a youngster. There was a little abrasive wheel inside and a cigarette lighter flint. When you pulled the trigger the flint contacted the spinning wheel and shot sparks out the end of the muzzle. Made by Daisy, as I recall.

Ah, yes: "Form follows function."
...That is, until it gets in the way of baroque ćsthetics.

Well, being ye old retired engineer, I ALWAYS go for function over form.
Unless, that is, I don't LIKE the way function played out.
Which is why I "just happen" to like the form of ALL of my very functional firearms.

As is my usual style, let us continue to examine the subject is exquisite detail.

The word "baroque" comes from the Portuguese word barroco, meaning "misshapen pearl",
[2] a negative description of the ornate and heavily ornamented music of this period;
later, the name came to be applied also to its architecture.

Yep, that fits it perfectly. This Ruger model "in question" surely is a "misshapen pearl", no question about it.
Ruger lists it for $469. I got a Cabela's ad sheet in my newspaper last Wed. They want $429.99 for "this baroque beauty".
Ain't it just the purtiest little 'thang you ever saw, just begging for a slot in your gun safe ? Remember, $429.99 plus tax.

Now just in the interests of not offending owners of other perfectly valid Ruger Marks, I agree there are "some nice Marks". This ain't it.

For $0.20 more (that's twenty cents, folks) I bought the gun below last November. Yes, for $430.19 plus tax.
Now, all you'all can argue 'mongst yourselves about "esthetics" and such.
But, I submit to a jury of my peers,
I got a lot of "artistics and beauty" of form for a mere twenty cents more than the "baroque beauty" above. YMMV. But, only if you are a cretin.

I had a pistol like that one when I was a youngster. There was a little abrasive wheel inside and a cigarette lighter flint. When you pulled the trigger the flint contacted the spinning wheel and shot sparks out the end of the muzzle. Made by Daisy, as I recall.

Bingo, Bob !

In my ongoing mental state of vapid verbosity , I HAVE to admire a man of few and fine words filed with fervor. You rock !

DanP you said it very, very well. That Browing is a far more appealing gun to me than the Ruger, and I ain't got a thing against Rugers. I just can't "appreciate" the looks of the Ruger 22/45 lite. It still looks like a ray gun.